Michael Alan Sabiston

Retired Chief District Court Judge Michael "Mike" Alan Sabiston, age 59, of Troy passed away Friday, August 2, 2013 at Southern National Motorsports Park in Kenly. Mike was born October 13, 1953 at Mobile, Alabama, the son of Hilland Borden and Evelyn Sprinkle Sabiston of Hendersonville. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Troy where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. Mike, who was known as "The Judge", graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1977 and was a 1982 Wake Forest University School of Law graduate, joined District Attorney Garland Yates' staff in September 1988. He was appointed by then Gov. Jim Martin to replace Judge Richard Toomes of Randleman, who had resigned due to health issues, on March 23, 1992. Mike was re-elected to office for five consecutive terms and appointed chief district court judge for District B by Supreme Court Chief Judge Sarah Parker on January 1, 2009. He won re-election in November 2010 and decided to retire two years before his term expired. Mike retired September 1, 2012, as chief district court judge after 24 years of service to the 19B Judicial District which includes Randolph, Montgomery and Moore counties. He also served as a local assistant district attorney for four years. Since retirement he was pursuing his life-long passions of racing, traveling, fishing and most importantly spending time with his grandchildren.. He had helped sponsor the car driven by Brandon Ward of Winston-Salem in the Pro All Stars Series. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of twenty-one years: Lucille Morris Sabiston of the home; two daughters: Wendy M. Cato and husband Tommie of Faith; Misty M. Hildreth and husband, Chris of Troy; grandchildren: Nick Cato, Gracie Cato, Taylor Hildreth and Sarah Hildreth; two sisters: Marcia Chiang and husband, David of Frankfort, IL, Cheryl Arnette and husband, Andy of Huntersville; one brother: Terry Sabiston and wife, Melodye of Daytona Beach, Florida; niece and nephews: Katie Chiang, Christopher Chiang and Brandon Arnette; his extended family of Kernersville and his racing family. A service to celebrate Mike's life will be Monday at 3:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Troy, 401 E. Main Street, Troy with Dr. Phillips McRae officiating. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Troy, PO Box 442, Troy, NC 27371 or to Victory Junction Gang, 4500 Adams Way, Randleman, NC 27317 Pugh-Troy Funeral Home is assisting the Sabiston Family. On-line condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com